A group of UK politicians from across the political spectrum has raised serious concerns about the nation's growing reliance on data analytics firm Palantir, warning it creates an "unacceptable point of weakness."
A report released Tuesday by the House of Commons' Science, Innovation, and Technology Committee highlights that the UK's increasing dependence on Palantir's technology could grant the company significant leverage in future contract negotiations. Committee chair Dame Chi Onwurah stated, "We know that with vendor lock-in, over time, we’ll get more expensive and worse services. It’s a trap that has to be avoided."
The committee fears that in a worst-case scenario, a heavily embedded supplier like Palantir could threaten to withdraw services, potentially disrupting public services and the national economy. While the committee insists its objections aren't ideological, the report notes a "clear mismatch with UK values." This is fueled by controversial remarks from Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel and a manifesto from CEO Alex Karp that emphasizes loyalty to US interests.
"We have a key vendor saying they will exercise technology in accordance with their political mission," Onwurah explained. "If what the UK is trying to do in our NHS or our defense does not align with Palantir’s political objectives, we clearly can’t depend upon them as a supplier." To mitigate these risks, the committee has recommended that the National Health Service (NHS) activate a clause in its contract next February to end the relationship early.
The UK government initially engaged Palantir in 2020 to track Covid-19 spread and manage medical supplies. Since then, Palantir and its partners have secured contracts totaling $750 million with the NHS and the Ministry of Defence, with the company promoting its role in driving innovation and rapid problem-solving within the UK public sector.
The report also points to dependencies on other US tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services, as well as Japanese firm Fujitsu, but singles out Palantir as the primary concern. Increased scrutiny has also followed Palantir's work with US immigration authorities and military forces, further amplifying worries about the company's political leanings.
Advocacy groups echo these concerns. Donald Campbell of Foxglove, a nonprofit advocating for the NHS to end its Palantir contract, questioned the wisdom of giving a company with "openly expressed opinions and ideologies" a central role in the UK state. Palantir has previously distanced itself from Thiel's comments, with Louis Mosley, head of Palantir's European business, stating the company supports democratically elected governments and does not take political stances.
